Tool-joint water head



Nov. 30, 1926.

' 1,608,505 S; J. HINDMAN TOOL JOINT WATER HEAD Filed Oct. 11, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I v I3 I I E W7 y 20 I I u t Nov. 30 1926.

- S.-J. HINDMAN TOOL JOINT WATER HEAD 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 11, 1924 Patented Nov. 30, 1926.

sAMUEIJ J. manners, or i-rousron, TEXAS.

-TOOL-JOINT WATER HEAD.

Applicationfiled October 11,

' Myinvention relatesto swivels employed to control the circulation of flushing water, in well drilling, the device being intended to be used temporarily in the process of removing the drill from, or introducing it into a well, in deepweli operations.

In drilling deep wells for oil, water, sulphur or'gas, it happen that gas pressure is encountered, making it necessary to keep up the circulation of flushing fluid while handlingthe ipe in order to avoid a blow out. .In removing the drill from the wellunder such conditions, it is common to keep the pumps going to maintain the iiuid circulation as the drill stem is withdrawn and disconnected. The usual swivel is an exceedingly heavy device and it is practically impossible to remove more than a section or two of pipe at one time and handle the swivel in the derrick. The weight of the pipe must be supported on the usual swivel and the joints must be made up tightly each time and again disconnected with the pipe standing in an inclined position on the derrick platform. Also while going into the hole the circulation must sometimes be maintained either to keep down the gas or to clearthe way for the introduction of the drill stem.

It is an object of my invention to provide a water head, or light temporary swivel, to be employed in handling the pipe in well drilling in the operation of removing the pipe from the hole, or introducing it into the hole where the water circulation must be maintained. It is contemplated that the device be employed in connection with an ordinary tool-joint connection provided with a stutfing-box and cap and that the weight of the pipe be supported by an elevator engaged below the tool joint.

Another object is to provide a water head of the character stated which will be light in weight, economical to manufacture, and which can be constructed from parts easily obtainable.

Other objects and advantages and the means by which the said objects are accomplished will be more clearly set forth in the specification which follows.

. Referring to the drawing herewith, Fig. l is a front view, partly in central longitudinal section. of a device embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the upper section of the tool joint and swivel;

2, formed thereon.

1924. Serial no. 743,181.

partsbeing broken away for greater clearness. Fig. 3 is a front elevation of myde vice shown in connection with the support ing elevator and connecting pipe and hose. Like numerals of reference are employed to designate like parts in all the views.

The bony of the swivel, or water head, forming the subject of the invention, comprises an ordinary tool joint, including a pin member 1, from which the upper socket portion has'becn removed and an upper shank Said shank is slightly reduced and threaded at 3 to engage with swivel cap 4. The lower end of the memer 1 is provided with the usual tapered end 0 threaded with a coarse liat crested thread to engage in the upper socket 6 of the box member 7 of the tool oint. This boX member is present on the upper end of each section of pipe, as it is handled in the derrick, and my pin member is adapted to lit therein as the section is being connected and disconnected.

A swivel stem 8 projects downwardly through the pin member, fitting closely in the passage 9 therein. Above the member 1 the swivel stem has a radial flange 10, resting on the shank 2 and closely housed beneath the cap 4 previously described.

The upper end of the said swivel stem is threaded at 11 to engage the gooscneck 12. the opposite end of which is exteriorly threaded at 14 to connect with the water hose 15, which is in turn connected with the pipe 16 leading from the pumps, not shown.

The pin member 1 has a stuffing box in the lower end of the passagef), whereby leakage of fluid between said member and the swivel stem is prevented. Said stuiiing box comprises acking rings 17 fitting within a counterbored seat 18 in the pin member and held adjustably therein by the gland 19 which may be rotated through radial lugs 20 thereon. Radial recesses 21, or other similar means, may be provided to receive a pin or wrench to assist in rotating the parts in screwing up or unscrewing the joints.

The water head. thus provided will allow a certain rotation of the drill stem, as will be obvious, but as this device is intended for use only in handling the drill stem while it is being removed from or introduced into the hole. it is not contemplated that the weight of the drill stem will be supported thereon and special bearings are provided.- The struction adapted to latcn beneath the lower shoulder of the tool joint. It has a bail 23 secured upon a hook 24 supported from the travelling block in the derrick. V The load of the drill stem and drill is thus taken from the swivel. A connection is made between the swivel and the hook 24, however, by means of a clamping ring 13 and a cable 25, thus guarding against possible breaking or slipping of the parts.

As will be clear, this construction is light in weight and hence, easily handled. Furthermore, as the swivel itself does not support the load, the oint between the'pin member l and the box member of the tool joint employed on the upper end of each section of the drill stem, may be made up by hand and loosened by hand, thus making it possible to connect up and disconnect the parts quickly and thereby save considerable valuable time. It is understood, of course, that my pin member is made to interfit with the tool joints being used on the particular string of pipe being handled and that the thread 6 will be cut to accomplish this purpose.

construction will be apparent without further description.

WV hat I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

In combination with a drillpipe having an upper threaded box member of a tool joint thereon, a swivel connection at the upper end of said socket member including a pin member to fit said box memben said pin member having a central channel of uniform diameter therethrough, a swivel stem threaded at its upper end and fitting in said channel, an integral flange on said swivel stem above said'pin member, a cap on said pin member engaging said flange, and means in said channel to make a fluid tight fit between said swivel stem and said pin member in the manner described;

In testimony whereof I hereunto alib my signature this 8th day of October, A. 1)., 1924.

SAMUEL J. HINDMAN.

The further objects and advantages of this 

